CLOUGH PURSUES SUMMER TRANSFER TARGETS

NIGEL Clough is working hard to bring his summer transfer targets into Burton Albion.

The Brewers boss wants to add a mix of new signings and loans to the nucleus of the squad that kept Albion in the Championship last season.

He said “We have made three bids for players. First bids are rarely accepted so there’s some work to do after that.

“We are pursuing three loans on top of that and a couple of free transfers.

“Quality comes first – we know we need 15 or 16 quality players and you can pad the squad out a little bit after that. And then it’s about planning and asking how many centre halves do we need? How many strikers? Players like Lucas Akins, who can play in two or three positions, are very important for us.

“We are working on a deal for a goalkeeper but we are very happy with Stephen Bywater if it doesn’t come off.”

Clough would ideally like to conclude his business as soon as possible.

He said: “Ideally you want them in on June 29 to integrate them with everyone else and that’s what we are working on.”